Enhancing Switch Use and Switch Scanning for People with Physical Impairments: Part 2

Overview

Scanning using one or two switches allows people with severe physical impairments to use a computer or augmentative communication device. Unfortunately, switch use can be challenging, and switch scanning is an inherently slow method of communication. This two-part series describes the tools and principles to: 1) identify challenges a user may be facing with their switch or scanning system, and 2) recommend and implement adjustments to enhance the user’s performance. Part 2 focuses on using data to make targeted adjustments to a user’s switch or scanning setup, and presents multiple case examples. This process typically yields significant improvements to text entry rate and user satisfaction.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to analyze and enhance an individual’s switch use.

Participants will be able to analyze an individual’s current scanning setup and identify inefficiencies or unnecessary challenges presented by the system.

Participants will be able to enhance an individual’s current scanning setup by making targeted adjustments that reduce inefficiency and make it easier to use.

Participants will be able to apply this process to individuals with and without spelling ability and to scanning setups that run on a variety of platforms, including iOS Switch Control as well as more “traditional” AAC software.

Speaker

Heidi Koester

Koester Performance Research

Heidi Koester, PhD, RESNA Fellow, is an experienced presenter with dozens of conference presentations, including ATIA and other major AT conferences. She has been researching effectiveness of access systems for people with physical impairments for about 20 years, including a focus on switch scanning across much of that time. While she is primarily a researcher and developer, she has extensive practitioner experience in AT service provision as well.